Lauri Markkanen delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Utah Jazz to a 130-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs during Tuesday’s NBA action.
The Jazz overcame an initial sluggish start thanks to key contributions from Jordan Clarkson, who added 24 points and eight assists, and Collin Sexton, who scored 20 points, including a remarkable self-assist 360-degree dunk.
“I was wide open, so I was just like, ‘Oh well, I’ll try it,’” Sexton said. “Have some fun. I felt like just having fun. I felt like that was something that sparked the momentum, sparked a run. Just the energy plays that’s needed.”
Sexton’s highlight dunk early in the second half, which he described as a fun, momentum-sparking moment, both impressed and surprised Utah coach Will Hardy. He found Sexton’s athleticism, especially at 6-foot-1, to be quite extraordinary.
“I don’t know what on Earth would make him try that,” Hardy said, “but I also think the fact he’s 6-foot-1 and pulled that off is wild to me.”
The Spurs, led by Keldon Johnson with 26 points, are struggling to find consistency, as highlighted by coach Gregg Popovich. Despite efforts from Devin Vassell with 22 points, Jeremy Sochan with 19, and Victor Wembanyama with 15, the Spurs (4-25) extended their losing streak to five games following a record 18-game losing streak.
We’re still searching for consistency,” Popovich said. “We’re not consistent offensively or defensively. We go in spurts and really haven’t matured enough to understand that winning an NBA game is difficult and calls for consistency.”
On the other hand, the Jazz have found their rhythm, winning three in a row and six of their last eight games after a 2-7 start to the season. Wembanyama, returning from a right ankle injury, contributed with 15 points, seven rebounds, five blocks, and four assists in 25 minutes.
San Antonio’s decision to bring Johnson off the bench initially led to a 15-point first-quarter lead, but Utah quickly recovered, going on a 23-9 run between the first and second quarters. Markkanen and Clarkson were particularly instrumental in the second quarter, combining for 18 points.
The thing that’s most impressive to me is that (the Spurs) are relentless with their pace,” Hardy said. “How hard they push the ball in transition after makes and misses. I think it caught our team off guard. No matter how much you talk about it, you can’t simulate that stuff in practice.”
For Clarkson, playing in his hometown of San Antonio has always been a successful endeavor, with coach Hardy praising his evolution into a more versatile playmaker. Meanwhile, the Spurs continue to grapple with the Western Conference’s worst record, only better than the Detroit Pistons in the NBA standings.
“Been known as a scorer his whole career,” Hardy said. “I think the last year and a half he’s made a really diligent effort to be a better playmaker, and he’s done a great job. Jordan has that ability, not just as a player, but as a person — he brings energy to the room whenever he’s in it.”
Looking ahead, the Jazz will face the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Spurs take on the Portland Trail Blazers, both games scheduled for Thursday.
